The Cockroach Janta Party says anyone can join its movement online for free, as the satirical political group continues to gain millions of followers across social media platforms.
The group’s official website invites users to “Become a Member of the Cockroach Janta Party” and describes itself as “the voice of the lazy and unemployed.”
The movement has spread rapidly among Gen Z users in India. Reuters reported that the group crossed nearly 15 million Instagram followers within days of launch and attracted more than 400,000 sign-ups.
How to join the party
The party’s official website says membership is free and open through an online form. Users can register directly through the “Join the Party” section on the site.
The website states: “No fees. No selfies with the leader. No ‘missed call to register.’”
An unofficial community-linked membership page also claims users can complete registration in “60 seconds” by filling out personal details and agreeing to support the party’s five-point agenda.
The official membership page is available here:
Cockroach Janta Party official website
Who is eligible
The party lists four membership “requirements” on its website. The conditions appear partly satirical but form the public identity of the movement.
The site says members should be:
“Unemployed”
“Lazy”
“Chronically online”
Able to “rant professionally”
The website also says the group does not check religion, caste or gender before membership approval.
How the movement started
The movement emerged after comments made by Supreme Court judge Surya Kant during a court hearing on youth unemployment triggered backlash online.
Reuters reported that founder Abhijeet Dipke launched the group as a response to remarks comparing some unemployed youth to “cockroaches.”
“This is a movement to change the political discourse of India,” Dipke told Reuters.
The movement mixes satire, memes and political messaging. Its manifesto includes demands related to women’s reservation, media ownership and anti-defection rules.
Social media growth and controversy
The party’s rise has also triggered controversy online. Reports published Thursday said the group’s X account was withheld in India shortly after it gained major traction on Instagram.
The founder later claimed there were attempts to hack the movement’s Instagram account and shared screenshots online.
Despite criticism from some political users who dismissed the campaign as an internet trend, the movement continues to draw support from young users frustrated with unemployment, inflation and mainstream politics.
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